Early results from Honduras indicate a closely contested presidential election, with right-wing National Party leader Nasry Asfura holding a slim edge over former TV host and Vice-President Salvador Nasralla. With over 40% of the ballots counted, preliminary figures show Asfura with 40.5% and Nasralla at 39%, heightening the stakes for both candidates and their backers.
Why It Matters
This election is pivotal, not only for Honduras but for U.S.-Central American relations. Asfura’s lead comes with backing from former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withdraw financial aid if his candidate does not succeed. The outcomes will shape both domestic policy in Honduras and the broader diplomatic landscape between the two countries.
Key Developments
- Asfura leads with 40.5% of the votes, while Nasralla follows closely with 39%.
- Ruling party candidate Rixi Moncada trails at about 20%.
- Votes are still being counted, particularly from remote areas, which could alter the lead.
- The head of the National Electoral Council (CNE) emphasized that results are preliminary and partial.
- Voting was extended in some locations due to long lines, but most voters reported no issues.
- Moncada accused Trump of undue influence, calling his support for Asfura “totally interventionist.”
Full Report
Election Results
According to initial counts from the National Electoral Council (CNE), Asfura is narrowly ahead with 40.5% of the vote compared to Nasralla’s 39%. Rixi Moncada of the left-wing Libre party stands at approximately 20%. While the count remains ongoing, particularly in more isolated regions, Asfura’s supporters have reason for optimism based on early returns.
U.S. Involvement and Reactions
Former President Trump has expressed strong support for Asfura, stating through social media that the U.S. would provide “support” if Asfura wins. Trump has cautioned that U.S. aid, which exceeded $193 million last fiscal year, may be diminished if his favored candidate is not elected, insisting that a wrong leader could spell disaster for the nation. Conversely, Moncada has rebuffed Trump’s involvement, characterizing it as interference.
Adverse Implications of Previous Leadership
The National Party has been marred by allegations of corruption, notably with former party leader and ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking. Attempting to distance himself from Hernández, Asfura asserted that he has “no ties” to the imprisoned ex-leader and expressed a desire to focus on the country’s development.
Candidates’ Campaign Promises
Asfura has vowed to focus on “development and opportunities for everyone,” emphasizing the need for domestic and foreign investment. In contrast, Moncada has promised to safeguard the nation’s “natural wealth” and combat corruption aggressively if elected.
Context & Previous Events
The current election takes place under the shadow of outgoing President Xiomara Castro, the first female president of Honduras, who is term-limited and did not appear on the ballot. Castro has endorsed Moncada as her successor. This electoral cycle is crucial as it involves not only the presidency but also the selection of all 128 members of the Honduran Congress and nearly 300 local representatives.
